NPP Women Raise D2.5 Million for Barrow’s Presidential Nomination, Exceeding Required Fee

By Makutu Manneh

Women from the National People’s Party (NPP) and its allied parties have presented D2.5 million to President Adama Barrow to support his nomination for the December 5 presidential election, raising more than twice the D1 million required nomination fee.

Speaking at a presentation ceremony at State House, President Barrow described the contribution as historic, claiming that no women’s group had made a similar financial contribution to a presidential candidate since The Gambia gained independence.

He praised the women for their unity and commitment, saying their fundraising achievement demonstrated the strength of the ruling party’s support base ahead of the election.

President Barrow recalled that during the previous presidential election, when the nomination fee was D10,000, women from the party had also contributed funds to cover the cost.

He said that although the women had pledged to raise the D1 million required for this year’s nomination, he initially doubted whether they could mobilize such a substantial amount.

The president expressed surprise that the group had exceeded its target, raising D2.5 million instead.

“I believe that when women are united, whatever they desire will happen in the country. Your ability to raise this money together is an indication that I have already won the election,” he said.

President Barrow also renewed his pledge to allocate an additional D50 million to the Women Enterprise Fund after the election, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting women’s economic empowerment.

He urged women across the party and its allied political groups to turn out in large numbers for his nomination on November 10, expressing his desire for the occasion to become a historic demonstration of political support.

The president said he hoped the turnout would send a strong message about the ruling party’s electoral strength ahead of the December vote.

Meanwhile, NPP National Women’s Mobilizer Maimuna Baldeh said the fundraising initiative was designed to encourage broad participation among women within the party.

She explained that she had asked each woman to contribute D10 toward the president’s nomination fee, allowing members to participate regardless of their financial circumstances.

According to Ms. Baldeh, the initiative was intended to foster a sense of ownership and belonging among women supporting the president’s re-election campaign.

She described the contribution as an expression of appreciation for President Barrow’s support for women’s empowerment and development initiatives.

The presentation comes as the NPP and its political allies intensify preparations for the December 5 presidential election, with President Barrow expected to formally submit his nomination on November 10.